nappy rash like sunburn and ammonia nappies

[blissieblue]

We use Tots Bots and fleece liners on DS (just about to turn 2) Recently his bum cheeks, around legs and hips have been really red like he has sunburn and the skin is quite dry. It doesn't seem to bother him but it bothers me a lot!
The rash is worst where the actual nappy is in contact with his skin - not the fleece liner.
His nappies also smell strongly of ammonia.
We are in a rented house at the mo and the washing machine is crap so I have started doing an extra rinse at the end of my (60 degree) wash. I have started washing with 50 mls Ecover and use a scoop of Mio Fresh sanitiser. The nappies don't smell when they come out of the machine but they do when he has worn them.
I also washed all his nappies without detergent a couple of times recently.
Do you think the sunburn type rash is the ammonia burning his skin? Am I using too much detergent? Should I try and get a new washing machine out of the landlady? (ha ha!)
Or is adding white vinegar and using eco balls a better solution? I am also considering trying a bio washing powder just to see if that makes any difference. There are just so many variables to consider!

Yes - almost positive. White vinegar and eco balls would definately help a lot (I don't use eco balls so don't know the drawbacks).

I use about 1/4 of the recommended amount of surcare, a splash of white vinegar and an extra rinse at the end of the cycle. I also have an "extra water" button which I use to dilute the powder that much more iyswim.

sorry Flame but is that a yes to too much detergent and ammonia burning his skin? I'm just not sure that eco balls actually get stuff clean. Does anyone have any experience of them - good or bad?

The thrush thing could be a possibility actually. He has been at the doctor recently because he had some discharge from his willy (poor lamb) Doctor didn't prescribe anything though as he said it was getting better by itself. I hadn't thought about the red "burned" skin being thrush tho'

Sorry - the yes was to the too much detergent and ammonia burning. If it was more localised then I would lean towards thrush, but it sounds like you are being left with a sort of red nappy burnt on (or am I misreading) which would lead me to ammonia.

Would be worht getting checked out though.

blissie, take a peek at my profile. in 2 secs. is it like my ds' thigh burn?
hang on....

will leave pic on till tomorrow.

the red burns if like ds' are not thrush. i took ds to the docs about this about a week ago. the doc and i came to the conclusion it is the wee in contact with his skin. hencei ma currently on ther huntr for the most absorbant nappies i can get myhands on and trying all sorts.
once i get enough absorbtion, it heals up, with a bitof germolene if you dont mind non natural remedies. it looked so sore i thought 'sod the herbals this time, i want this sorted pronto' lol
it was also on the seat of his bottom.

Boil up some pearl barley until it is soft, drain off & keep the liquid. When cool offer to your ds. It will nuetralise his system & the urine won't burn as much, therefore causing a vicious cycle.

Only keep the liquid for 2 days & shake if you get sediment.

Veg water is also good. Once you have cooked your veg, let the water cool & offer.

Sudocreme in a thick layer on his red bits to act as a barrier. Tis the only way.

Lady - thanks for the pic - it is a bit like this except for it is on his bum cheeks etc where the nappy is in contact with his skin. I am going to take him to the docs to rule out thrush as another doctor had already suggested he might have a bit of it. His skin is really dry looking this morning Am also going to wash all his nappies in a super hot wash and stick him in disposables for a few days to see if it clears up then. Hopefully I'll figure out what's causing it by process of elimination! DC2 is due on Wednesday - I could do without all this right now!
Thanks everyone for the advice - most helpful as usual!!!